Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve located in the eastern Satpura hill range of Umaria and Katni districts. Mythologically the name “Bandhavgarh” means (Bandhav = Brother and garh = Fort) and was acquire the name Bandhavgarh with the name of the fort. This fort was built and given to brother Lakshman by Lord Rama, to keep a watch on Lanka and hence it acquired the Reference to this is also found in the Narad Panch Ratna and Shiva Sanhita Puran. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is of vital importance considering its Flora and Fauna diversity. The Tiger Reserve is Known for the healthy population of tigers and variety of herbivores. This area is unique from the point of biodiversity, as it comprises hills, valley, rivers, marshes and meadows to give rise to diverse vegetation.
Madhya Pradesh, Central India
Gypsy / Jeep, Canter / Bus
Umaria, Katni, Jabalpur
Morning, Evening, Night
Jabalpur Airport, Khajuraho Airport
Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog, Wild cat, Hyena, Wolf, Elephant
7,000 - 9,000 Average Safari Price *
July, August, September ( buffer zones are open during mansoon)
7,000 - 9,000 Average Safari Price
Safari Price depends on operators and services and may exceed the average price shown
Currently Closed
Core Zone Open
Buffer Zone Open
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is named after the Bandhavgarh hill (807 m) lying in the center of the Reserve. The Tiger Reserve falls between the Vindhyan hill range and the eastern flank of the Satpura hill range and is located in the Umaria and Katni districts of Madhya Pradesh. A chain of smaller hills, 32 in all, forms several valleys and spurs interspersed with low-lying areas, such as Chakradhara, Rajbahera, Sehra-Dadra, Bhitri bah, Kolua bah, etc. Rivers Johilla and Son flow on the boundary on the eastern side, river Umrar passes through the western fringes and the Bandhavgarh hill, visible from as far as 30 km, are some landmarks of the Reserve. The Reserve includes Bandhavgarh National Park and Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary. Bandhavgarh has been an excellent habitat for tigers and is known for its high density of tigers. There are several artificial caves in Bandhavgarh with inscriptions and carvings dating back between about 129-168 A.D. The habitat also has several archeological monuments. Statues of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which were carved out of a single rock, are found in the fort. "Sheshshaiya" the statue of Lord Vishnu in reclining pose, is the biggest of all and attracts many tourists. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve's vegetation is categorized into five types (Champion & Seth, 1968): the moist peninsular low-level Sal forest, northern dry mixed deciduous forest, dry deciduous scrub, dry grassland, and West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest.
The tropical moist deciduous forest type is dominated by sal trees. Lofty Saja and Arjun (Terminalias), Lendia (Lagerstroemia species), Salai (Boswelia species), Bija (Pterocarpus species), Mahua (Madhuca species.) and the like contribute to the floral diversity. Over 520 plant species have been recorded in the habitat. Bamboos are found throughout the tract. Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Mango (Mangifera indica) and Jamun (Syzygium cumini) are other common tree species.The fruits of Jamun, Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Gular (Ficus glomerata) and Pakad (Ficus insectoria)are relished by wild animals. The habitat also has large number of Palash trees (Butea monosperma), with spectacular orange flowers in summer The Sehra Dadra meadow of Bandhavgarh harbours the Sundew (Drossera indica), an insectivores plant.
Bandhavgarh is famous for its tigers. Dense forests interspersed with grasslands and perennial streams provide an ideal habitat for this predator. The fauna is typical for central India with more than 35 species of mammals. The other wild animals include: leopard, wild dog, wolf, Indian fox, Jungle cat, common langur, hyena, wild pigs, sloth bear, ready mangoose, grey mangoose, ratel, porcupine, Rhesus macaque, spotted deer, barking deer, chital, sambar, nilgai, chousingha and chinkara. The Gaur, which became locally extinct since 1998, have been successfully reintroduced from Kanha. Bandhavgarh has a rich avifauna, and around 240 avifaunal species are found here, which include: vultures, grebes, cormorants, ducks, kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks, hornbills, barbets, woodpeckers and flycatchers. The Sarus cranes is seen during monsoon till the month of November. Other important birds of the habitat are: Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), Cliff nesting Long-billed vulture, tree nesting White-backed vulture, Peafowl, Indian Roller, Redwattled Lapwing, White-breasted Kingfisher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle (Dogra cheel), Red Jungle Fowl, Oriole, Purple sunbird, Indian Grey hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Oriental Magpie Robin and Tree Pie.
By Air Nearest Airports: Jabalpur (200 km), Khajuraho (250 km), Nagpur (350 km) From Airport: Taxi or car to Bandhavgarh By Train Nearest Stations: Umaria (37 km), Katni (100 km), Jabalpur (200 km) From Station: Taxi or local bus to Bandhavgarh By Road From Jabalpur: 4-5 hours via NH45 From Khajuraho: 5-6 hours via Panna and Amanganj From Nagpur: 6-7 hours via NH44 to Jabalpur, then to Bandhavgarh